The Efficiency for Access R&D fund invests in R&D projects with the aim of accelerating the availability, affordability, efficiency and performance of a range of low energy inclusive appliances that are particularly suited to developing country contexts and promote social inclusion. This project is supported by the Low Energy Inclusive Appliances (LEIA) programme.
The Global LEAP Awards is an international competition that identifies and promotes the world’s best, most energy-efficient appliances and equipment intended for use in energy-constrained settings. The Global LEAP Awards have evolved into a trusted global brand that serves as the de facto source of accurate, actionable information about the quality and energy performance of appliances designed for use with off-grid solar energy systems, mini-grid and areas with inconsistent grid connection. Since 2014, Global LEAP Awards has run several competitions and challenges for high-impact and emerging technologies, most recently for walk-in cold storage units, solar water pumps and electric pressure cookers. This project is supported by the Low Energy Inclusive Appliances (LEIA) programme.
The Growing Government Engagement in Energy Access (GGE-EA) project, part of the Transforming Energy Access (TEA) platform, aims to accelerate the deployment of mini-grids in Africa, increasing the use of affordable decentralised clean energy options for poor households and enterprises. GGE-EA delivers peer-to-peer learning opportunities to build the capacity of rural electrification officials, improve understanding of challenges and opportunities for mini-grid deployment, and support the development of new bankable mini-grid projects. GGE-EA is coordinated by the African Association for Rural Electrification (CLUB-ER), in partnership with SouthSouthNorth.
Project researching and developing innovative mobile-based technologies for developing countries, including in the clean energy sector. This programme is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Programme designed to build Ukrainian resilience to external threats to its energy security and lay the groundwork for a cleaner, more independent energy sector post-war. It includes a £16 million Energy Security Innovation Challenge Fund that will take forward UK-led innovations and proposals for applied research that can modernise Ukraine’s energy sector, launched in June 2023. This programme is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Follow the link provided to keep updated regarding future open funding windows.
The Transforming Energy Access Learning Partnership (TEA-LP) is a partnership of universities committed to delivering professional graduates ready to drive the transition to sustainable energy access for all. TEA-LP provides courses for local current and future professionals in the energy access sector and aims to build on its network of 30 higher education institutions in 18 countries across Africa and the Indo-Pacific and make linkages to other energy access organisations and the private sector. It is also provides continuous professional development (CPD) courses (including a dedicated ‘Future Female Leaders in Energy’ course). TEA-LP also seeks to strengthen ‘South-South’ academic networks for energy access. This initiative is delivered under the Transforming Energy Access (TEA) platform by the University of Cape Town.
Future Female Leaders in Energy Programme is specifically tailored to equip young women in entry level roles in the energy access sector with the skills they need to be future senior leaders. The programme combines online courses and experiential workshops to equip participants with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive in this rapidly growing sector. It is part of the Energy Access Talent Initiative (EATI) and delivered by the African Management Institute and University of Cape Town with support from the Transforming Energy Access (TEA) platform.
The Energy Access Talent Initiative (EATI) aims to support the talent needs of energy access enterprises across Africa, whilst empowering local talent to pursue careers in the sector. EATI (formerly the Off-Grid Talent Initiative) develops sustainable upskilling and sourcing models to address energy access labour shortages, increase the female participation rate in the energy access supply chain, and develop the next generation of female managers, who provide the operational capacity necessary to drive energy access SME growth. EATI is delivered by Shortlist and the African Management Institute, as part of the Transforming Energy Access (TEA) platform.
Empowering Managers is a fully virtual pan-African programme for managers in the energy access sector, supported by the Transforming Energy Access (TEA) platform. This highly practical programme empowers team leaders with effective tools in key areas like supervision, project management, and team building, as well as strategies to address sector-specific challenges and manage geographically dispersed teams. The programme combines regular interactive virtual workshops, robust online learning (via its online platform and mobile app), and team-based activities, allowing participants to learn valuable knowledge and skills that can be applied to real workplace challenges, benefiting their organisation’s overall performance and impact.
The Chevening Transforming Energy Access (TEA) Scholarship aims to support 30 scholars from Sub-Saharan Africa and the Indo-Pacific to pursue energy access-related research in a one-year Masters course at a UK university, with the first scholarships awarded in September 2023. The scholarships include a monthly stipend, travel costs, visa fees, and university fees. Throughout the year there will also be networking opportunities for TEA Scholars. The overarching objective is to build a network of emerging leaders within the energy access sector and embed the scholars within the Transforming Energy Access (TEA) platform.